Is There an HBCU in Arizona?
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If you're a Black or African American student in Arizona, you might consider attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU). HBCUs hold an important place in American education and history. Many notable African Americans — such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Kamala Harris — are HBCU graduates.
Unfortunately, due in part to Arizona's relatively small Black population, there are no HBCUs in the state. However, Black Arizonans looking at colleges can consider in-state schools with relatively large Black student populations or HBCUs near Arizona.
HBCUs Near Arizona
Although there are no HBCUs or predominantly Black institutions in Arizona, nearby Oklahoma and Texas have several HBCUs you can consider. Read on to learn more about HBCUs in Texas and Oklahoma.
Langston University
A public land-grant university and HBCU founded in 1887, Oklahoma's Langston University is the state's only HBCU. It is located in the historically Black town of Langston, Oklahoma, 41 miles from Oklahoma City, and has a student enrollment of 3,920. At Langston, you can study in the school's renowned program in agriculture and applied sciences, among many other major options.
The average undergraduate out-of-state tuition is $14,600 per year. However, out-of-state students — who make up roughly 47% of the student body — may qualify for academic and/or sports scholarships, as well as out-of-state tuition waivers.
Paul Quinn College
For those interested in a private HBCU with a religious tradition, Dallas, Texas, is home to Paul Quinn College, a private HBCU affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal church. It has an 87% acceptance rate. Tuition for the 2022-23 academic year averaged $13,798, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Paul Quinn offers majors in business administration, the liberal arts, and teacher training. It has gained recognition for its urban We Over Me Farm, which was developed to address food deserts in inner-city Dallas.
Huston-Tillotson University
Established in 1875, private HBCU Huston-Tillotson University is the oldest institution of higher education in Austin, Texas. A selective university with a 50% acceptance rate, tuition cost $15,250 in the 2022-23 school year.
As a student at Huston-Tillotson, you can take advantage of its prestigious education and music departments and its wide range of degree options, including degree programs specifically geared toward working adults.
St. Philip's College
If you're interested in an associate degree or want to earn credits towards your bachelor's at an affordable, flexible community college, St. Philip's College is a public, historically Black community college in San Antonio, Texas. It is the only American college to be federally recognized as both a historically Black and Hispanic-serving institution.
Tuition for out-of-state students at St.Philip's College is $476 per credit hour.
Prairie View A&M University
A public HBCU in Prairie View, Texas, Prairie View A&M (PVAMU) is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas, dating back to 1876. At $13,487 per year, out-of-state students at PVAMU pay less than the average tuition for out-of-state students in Texas — over $25,000, according to the NCES.
PVAMU is well-known for its architecture program and awards the second-most STEM degrees in Texas' A&M collegiate system.
Arizona Colleges With a Large Black Student Population
For Black college students looking to remain in Arizona, there are several colleges and universities in the state with relatively high proportions of Black and African American students that are not HBCUs.
Although the Black population of Arizona is relatively small, at roughly 4%, these are some Arizona schools with more substantial Black student populations:
Phoenix College
With a campus in the heart of Phoenix and a Black student population of about 10%, Phoenix College is one of the oldest community colleges in the country, dating back to 1920. With an average tuition of $2,070 per year, 200 different degree programs, and a 100% acceptance rate, Phoenix College can be a great place to begin your higher education.
Arizona State University
The flagship public university in Arizona, Arizona State University (ASU) has one of the largest Black student populations of Arizona's nonprofit four-year colleges and universities. About 5% of students at ASU identify as Black or African American. ASU has an acceptance rate of 88%, and in-state tuition costs less than $13,000 per year for in-state students.
5 Resources for Black College Students in Arizona
NAACP Scholarship Database
One of the oldest and best-known Black American nonprofit organizations, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People keeps a database of scholarships for Black students across the country.
Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation
A nonprofit focused on advancing leadership, education, and philanthropy in the African American population of Phoenix, Phoenix AKARAMA offers a variety of resources for aspiring college students, including its Black, Brown, and College Bound bootcamp.
The United Negro College Fund
Dating back to 1944, the UNCF focuses on funding scholarships for African American students who are looking to attend HBCUs across the nation.
UArizona Coalition of Black Students and Allies
For Black and African American students at the University of Arizona, COBA provides support and social opportunities for the Black student community while promoting anti-racism activism.
Jackie Robinson Foundation
Founded by Rachel Robinson — a former nurse, college professor, and the widow of baseball legend Jackie Robinson — the Jackie Robinson Foundation is dedicated to empowering Black Americans through access to higher education and offers them a variety of scholarships and resources.
